The structures and processes governing education research in the UK from 1990-2020: A systematic scoping review
Stentiford, L; Koutsouris, G; Boyle, C; et al.Jindal-Snape, D; Salazar Rivera, J; Benham-Clarke, S
Date: 26 August 2021
Journal
Review of Education
Publisher
Wiley / British Educational Research Association (BERA)
Publisher DOI
Abstract
This paper presents the findings of a systematic scoping review spanning thirty years (1990-2020)
that sought to understand the structures and processes influencing education research activities in
UK higher education (HE). Review work of this scale has not previously been undertaken on the
topic. The purpose of the review was to ...
This paper presents the findings of a systematic scoping review spanning thirty years (1990-2020)
that sought to understand the structures and processes influencing education research activities in
UK higher education (HE). Review work of this scale has not previously been undertaken on the
topic. The purpose of the review was to ‘take stock’ of research in the field, identify continuing and
emerging areas of concern regarding education research as a profession, and point to directions for
future research. Seven databases were searched and additional strategies included citation chasing
and hand-searching. We located 114 peer-reviewed journal articles and one doctoral thesis. Six
themes emerged relating to formal structures/processes: culture of performativity and
accountability; funding regime; impact agenda; ‘what works’ agenda; heated debates; and
professional bodies. A further six themes related to informal structures/processes: academic
pressures; affective issues; non-traditional academics; second-career researchers; career stages; and
departmental cultures. The themes were complex and appeared to interact with each other.
Evidence of the negative impact of neoliberal regimes on working conditions and wellbeing emerged
more strongly in the past decade. The review indicates that further research is required
into the experiences and academic identities of education researchers from under-represented
groups (i.e. women, ethnic minority, working-class, disabled, LGBTQ+ academics). There is also a
need for more studies in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to understand their unique political-economic-educational contexts. The findings have relevance to education researchers and policymakers in countries across the globe, particularly in comparable HE systems (e.g., North America,
Australia).
School of Education
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
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